Conservation - Taj Mahal (Sheesh Mahal), Bhopal
 
   
   
 

Situated in the Shahjahanabad area of the city, the construction of this edifice had been initiated by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum in the year 1871 A.D. to be used as her official palace, and completed in 1884 A.D. The  cost of construction of this palace was  Rs. Thirty lakhs in those times. The entry gate of this attractive six-storey building has been built in the ‘Ladaodar’ style of architecture, and motorcars to horse driven carriages can easily pass through it. The palace has 120 rooms and 8 halls; the colour scheme of all these rooms was different from the rest and the interior décor of the rooms were in coordination with the colours used. An imitation of the Delhi Red Fort and Kashmir’s Shalimar garden house had been built in the inner recess of this palace, known as ‘Saawan Bhaado’. The architecture of this palace has used several types of pillars, arches and domes for beautification. For three years after the completion of the construction, ‘Jashne Taj Mahal’ or ‘Celebration of Taj Mahal’ had been feted.

Due to climate and environmental factors and vandalism many portions of the glass work inside the palace had been badly damaged. Wall plaster, flooring and chhajja (sunshades) stones were broken. To arrest further damage or deterioration the department took up a restoration drive, by executing the necessary works. Plastering with POP, aluminum work, fixing of different types and sizes of glass pieces, special colourings work, doors and lattice screens. Masons were brought from Rajsthan to restore, the unique glass work in Sheesh Mahal in consonance with the original which had only survived in places. Decorative glass work and decorative plaster inlay work was also conserved. The garden was also developed.

 

Before Restoration After Restoration

 

Last Modified 16/1/2013